You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during warm days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Alliance.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your utility costs will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while using the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a bigger AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to determine the right setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than using the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility expenses small.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to discover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces

If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces pros can help. Give us a call at 308-762-1613 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.